Nov. 19, 2004

By Kelly Olson Kansas State Collegian

MANHATTAN, Kan. (U-WIRE) -- There will be a lot of firsts this weekend for the K-State equestrian team's Western squad.

Nichole Tiffany, first-year assistant coach focusing on the Western squad, will be taking her team to its first away show of the season, as they travel to the Black Hawk Western Show on Saturday and Sunday in Kewanee, Ill.

As a 2002 K-State graduate and former rider, Tiffany said she knows what it is like to be a member of the team, and now the leader.

"It is very different being on the other side," Tiffany said. "I can really appreciate now what my coaches were trying to impart on me. I hope I can be some use to the girls on the team and help them learn something I didn't know."

When she was a member of the team during her college years, Tiffany aided in acquiring NCAA sanctioning for K-State.

Growing up in a family of professional trainers began Tiffany's path to a passion for horses.

Tiffany participated in local and national competitions, which eventually led to her chance to represent Kansas at the American Quarter Horse Youth Association World Championship Show from 1995 to 1999.

Despite being on the other side of the coach-rider relationship, Tiffany said she really enjoys coaching.

"I love it. This is the best of both worlds. I am in the equine industry and working with girls with my same interests," Tiffany said.

"The girls have been completely accommodating and accepting and very great to work with. I hope I am giving something back to them they can take and use."

The team has been taking the knowledge Tiffany has to offer, following the team's K-State Western Show on Oct. 9, and is ready to travel this weekend.

"We have been working on riding with precision, balance, mental edge and overall putting it together with no mental errors," Tiffany said.

Senior and team captain Kristin Tanney said she is excited and very well prepared to ride to success this weekend.

"My goal for the team this weekend is to beat Black Hawk all three shows," Tanney said. "It's their home turf, and they've really stepped up these last few years, but we've got a fresh start."

Many teams that participated at the K-State Western Show will ride in Illinois, including Iowa State, Northwest Missouri State and Truman State.

K-State placed first at both shows that weekend out of the six teams participating.

Senior Heather Zsamba said she attributes much of the team's success to the coaching and captains.

"The coaches are very important in building and refining our skills. Without coaches, it would be difficult to succeed and be as united as we are," Zsamba said. "Also, the team captains are not only our leaders, but they help to keep us joined as a team and leave the all-important fun factor in there."

Tiffany said the team is ready to go.

"I anticipate great things. I am very excited because the girls are very focused and ready.

"I am anticipating nothing less than what we have had in the past," she said.

(C) 2004 Kansas State Collegian via U-WIRE